“Idea Birth” an exercise for doulas

by Penny Simkin

“You’re going to have a baby, and it will be your ‘ideal birth.’ You get to write the script thinking about yourself and your baby.” Please complete the following sentences: 

1. My 3 top priorities for this birth are: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

2. For me, the ideal place to give birth is: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

and I want to be sure the following things are there: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. For my birth, the ideal clinical personnel are: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. I want to have the following people there for my emotional support and well-being: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. For me, the best approach to pain relief is: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. The following are also very important to me: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A slightly different version of this exercise might be done by your client as you discuss her Birth Plan. Be aware of where your differences lie. How easy is it for you to put your beliefs aside, so that you can meet her needs?

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